Small roster has hopes for another title

New Salem Baptist Academy won both the boys and girls Class 1A state championship in the Missouri Christian School Athletic Association Tournament last year.

No school has ever had both teams repeat as champions, but girls basketball coach Jerome Gaines is ready to try and hold up his end this season.

"Oh, we'll get back. It's just going to be a little tougher," Gaines, now in his third season, said. "Even with a tougher schedule, we can still win 20 to 22 games."

Gaines' team will return most of its players. The team returns all five starters from last year, none of which are seniors. Sarah Green, the team's point guard, was the team's leading scorer with 22 points per game.

Sisters Laura and Mary Poole also return to the back court. Mary Poole also is back.

MacKenzie Jones, a 5-8 junior forward, is one of the team's top defensive players and a solid rebounder. Along with Jones, junior Holly Jordan returns to the front court.

Gaines has just seven girls on the team, and that small roster will affect his coaching strategies.

"I can't press as much as I'd like to because I don't want to get them in foul trouble," Gaines said.